ROBERTO Di Matteo insisted Newcastle were still the team to beat, despite claiming that Albion deserved to win at St James’ Park.

The Baggies boss was pleased with his side’s performance in last night’s 2-2 draw with the league leaders. Albion were dominant for long periods and were unfortunate not to snatch a late victory through Ishmael Miller.

The substitute’s shot hit the post in the final throes of the game.

But Di Matteo was pleased overall, even though he ruled out the prospects of the Championship promotion race being a battle between Newcastle, Albion and second-placed Nottingham Forest.

“I don’t think it’s down to just three teams – there are others who could come into it,” said the Italian.

“There will be others who come into it. It’s a strange league so I expect other teams to be in the mix as well, not just us.

“Leicester, Cardiff, Swansea, Sheffield United, definitely them – any team can beat any team, but Newcastle have the edge over everyone else.

“The quality and strength they have in the team. They have a lot of ability.

“The key to doing well in the Championship is to grind results out, and plenty of hard work.

“That’s the main thing needed to get promoted.”

Speaking about Miller’s miss and Graham Dorrans’ excellent display, Di Matteo added: “I thought Ishmael had scored at the end – he just had to put it in. It was unlucky.

“Luck simply wasn’t on his side.

“As for Graham Dorrans, he is a young player growing in confidence.

“He’s surrounded by good players which helps. He had a very good game.

“Roman (Bednar) too. He was disappointed to go off but I wanted to keep the shape and he will have plenty of time to play.

“If I reflect over the game we deserved to win. We had more chances than Newcastle.